This year marks the 10th installment of The Game Awards, the biggest annual ceremony recognizing the best video games of the year. It’s been a year full of addictive card games, role-playing blockbusters and big-budget adaptations. The Daily Trojan’s resident gaming experts explained their picks for the year’s biggest honors. The Game Awards will take place Dec. 12 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 4:30 p.m.

GAME OF THE YEAR: “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth”

2024’s Game of the Year nominations were released with some online controversy given the inclusion of “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree,” an Elden Ring DLC, as an independent nomination. This nomination edged out the opportunity for numerous other eligible and deserving games from being honored at this year’s ceremony and ultimately cast a sour shadow over the category.

Discourse aside, “Astro Bot” and “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” are favored to win Game of the Year. Though “Astro Bot” has captured the hearts of those on a nostalgia kick for a quality platformer and old Sony property, Square Enix once again brought their best to the table with “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.”

Everything about the game screams polish, with each cutscene, character and environment being breathtaking eye candy. Though either game could take home the win, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,”  the second part of an expanded remake of the classic “Final Fantasy VII,”  once again proves that the “Final Fantasy” series is deserving of its high generational status.

– Aubrie Cole, Arts & Entertainment Editor

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BEST NARRATIVE: “Metaphor: ReFantazio”

Unfortunately, 2024 will not go down in history being known for its strong narrative releases. Two out of the five narrative nominees are remakes, and the others leave much to be desired. “Metaphor: ReFantazio” stands out with its punchy story and dialogue, matching the title’s impressive and eclectic art style and direction.

It’s no surprise that this JRPG stands at the top of the narrative selections, given the contributing developers’ past successes. With writing just as beautiful as ATLUS’ UI, “Metaphor” is the top contender to win the narrative award.

– Aubrie Cole

BEST SCORE AND MUSIC: “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth”

The category is tricky this year, without a runaway winner but a lot of potential losers. A remake of “Silent Hill 2” and the smaller PlayStation-exclusive “Stellar Blade” seem like odd choices. While “Astro Bot” and its score charmed millions, The Game Awards tend to reward more “serious” games with trophies.

In 2024, this award seems destined to go to “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.” Its immediate predecessor won this category in 2020, and “Final Fantasy” music is so beloved that concerts performing the game’s music have been occurring for decades. Reverence for the series and its music could easily extend its love for an impressively lengthy soundtrack whose physical version requires seven CDs.

– Sammy Bovitz, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor

BEST ADAPTATION: “Arcane”

There’s certainly one person who’s a guaranteed winner in the Best Adaptation category this year, and it’s Ella Purnell. Considering “Arcane” and “Fallout” — in both of which Purnell plays a lead role —  lead the nominees, the category is an unequivocal Ella-off.

“Arcane” is our standout adaptation given its breathtaking animation and stunning visuals. The “League of Legends” series has it all — a solid narrative, compelling score and unique cast of characters set “Arcane” apart from its competitors.

– Aubrie Cole

BEST INDEPENDENT GAME: “Balatro”

Every time an independent game has been nominated for Game of the Year, it has won the Best Independent category. Trends aside, “Balatro” stands out on its own merits. The game  sports a sparkling 90 review score on Metacritic and is an addictive take on poker. Created entirely by an anonymous individual developer named “LocalThunk,” “Balatro” is constantly described as “addictive” and has inspired millions to pick it up.

Sure, there are other notable nominations here — “Animal Well” was also created by a single developer and published by a YouTuber, and “UFO 50” packs in a preposterous 50 new arcade games at once. But this award’s winner is obvious.

– Sammy Bovitz

BEST ONGOING: “Helldivers 2”

As you might expect, this category has a lot of games that have been here for a while. “Final Fantasy XIV,” “Fortnite” and “Destiny 2” have all been nominated before, and “Diablo IV” will likely continue for years after its initial expansion, “Vessel of Hatred,” dropped this year.

But The Game Awards love to reward games that surprise and delight, and “Helldivers 2,” which was released in February, is this year’s biggest surprise not named “Balatro” — far exceeding the expectations of the developers themselves. It was a sales sensation to boot, becoming PlayStation’s fastest-selling game ever. For those reasons, The Game Awards should reward this hit with a trophy for both this category as well as a Best Multiplayer nod.

– Sammy Bovitz